If not even a mouse is stirring, things are fine, right? 

Seriously, though, how do pets mix with Christmas?

There are stories of Christmas trees put up by the cat-owned; only to have said cat bring down the whole set-up. We hear about the overly frisky dog that knocks the tree over.

I used to have two cats; and as long as I had them I never even tried to have a Christmas tree. A large cat and a Christmas tree don\’t mix well! Even a small cat can pack a surprising punch when it jumps upon something.

I\’ve read of stringing fishing line, or something similar, between the top of the tree and a secure hook in the ceiling. That way if a pet jumps on the tree, at least the tree shouldn\’t fall over.

And look at those enticing, shiny balls dangling from the tree\’s branches! A cat loves to swat such things. After a few swats, down does the ball, which is why glass ornaments and cats (maybe dogs, too) don\’t mix.

A Christmas tree plus pets means non-breakable ornaments. They\’d need to be large enough that a pet couldn\’t swallow them; and not have small parts that could come off and be eaten by the pet.

Keeping pets safe during holiday season takes some doing. I have no experience with keeping a dog; but I know that cats are only too good at getting into things. If there\’s not even a mouse to distract them from the Christmas tree, I would have to think of something else.